Clover Hill’s varsity football team began their home season earlier this month, and students from across grade levels came out in their green and gold to support.

Fans came in full force for the first home game since the 2019 season, with students from Clover Hill attending the game and supporting their team with an immense amount of school spirit.

Junior linebacker Jackson Drewry benefited from the support in the stands, and appreciates all of the students who came out and rooted on the Cavaliers.

“In the first half… everyone was super hype… and we were winning [and it] boost[ed] everyone’s morale and helped us,” Drewry said. 

Not only did the support affect the play of Drewry, it also affected the play of senior safety Malakhai Lewis. Lewis expressed his gratitude for the students who showed up and supported the team.

“I love the fans, they’re the best student section in the 804,” Lewis said.

Senior quarterback Eric Webster also discussed the fans and magnitude of support in the stands. Webster was overly impressed by the amount of cheering heard from the bleachers.

“The whole atmosphere of the game was crazy… [and the fans] motivated me and other players,” Webster said. 

With the cheering of an electrifying student section behind them, the offense started strong with a 40-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Reggie Carter. Unfortunately, the Cavaliers were unable to capitalize on their strong start as Cosby came back with a touchdown of their own.

Adding to his 40-yard rushing touchdown, Carter also ran a kickoff back to the endzone for an additional six points in the third quarter. 

 Drewry also contributed two tackles in the loss. The lack of defensive pressure on Cosby’s offensive attack became a main point in Drewry’s postgame interview.

“We [need to] focus more,” Drewry said. “Our practices were okay before the game, but we could have…  been more focused.” 

Lewis agrees that the lack of defensive pressure gave Cosby opportunities, especially in the second half.

“[We need to] stop the run. We [have] to build inside out… starting with linebackers… [and] our defensive back core,” Lewis said. 

Webster, who threw a seven yard passing touchdown to senior receiver Abe Uqdah, helped to bolster the Cavaliers’ lead in the second quarter. Unfortunately, Webster’s touchdown was also unable to change the result of the game.

“[We] have a lot to look forward to [during the season] and a lot to learn, and I am confident in myself and the coaches to take us there,” Webster said. 

Though the end of the game resulted in a loss, the Cavaliers did many things right in preparation for the next game, which resulted in a vital road win against the Huguenot Falcons by a score of 48-40, which boosted their record to 1-2. The Cavaliers’ next home game is against Manchester on Friday, Oct 1, followed by the Homecoming football game on Friday, Oct. 8 against George Wythe.